Serena Nuias had been in the city of Maplestead after hearing that there was an unusual amount of demonic activity affecting its surrounding regions. She had wandered the city for a few days trying to glean information from the inhabitants, but in the end she didn't have to pry too far. Maplestead wasn't just suffering from a small demon outbreak. It was under siege. It wasn't just demons either, there were other beasts running rampant in unusual ways. Even she was aware that she couldn't face this level of demonic activity alone. Then came the crier with his announcement of rewards going to those who could kill the creatures attacking Maplestead. She immediately realized that this was a suicide mission for most, and knew that she had to assist. One of the oaths she had taken when she became a Templar was to protect the weak. Even if the individuals themselves were ignorant, greedy, and detestable; it was her duty. She cared nothing for the gold. 

	When she arrived at the town square to sign up, she had noticed that more than a few intriguing characters were abreast. Some seemed experienced and cautious, like the tactician and cleric who obviously had several years of experience under their belt each. She had heard what the cleric Aldrial had to say about the pains of healing another, and she shared some of his sentiments but also felt that it was the duty of a healer to bear that pain and anguish. Of course, she didn't think that fools who rushed into the heat of battle should be rewarded for their stupidity, but leaving them to die was like turning one's back on their own calling. 

	She had also seen several with far less experience but the potential for greatness, and many who simply should not have been risking their lives as it would be fruitless and wasteful. She steeled herself for the horror that would come soon. Earlier in the day she had watched a young girl collapse after running for just a short while and was shocked when she realized that that same girl was going to be facing the horror of battle alongside her. She was almost dead set on protecting that girl, as her kind spirit shone brightly even though her body was weak. In the end she left protection of the girl to the thief who had helped her up in the first place. It seemed apparent that the thief known as Cecilia was attempting to propose to the other girl, as strange as that was. In any case, she was not Serena's responsibility. 

	She stayed out of sight, and silent for almost the entire morning. When the town crier finally appeared to announce the various teams that would engage the monsters, she was placed with three absolute imbeciles who had no combat experience. She decided it was better to just fight on her own. She paid them off with the bit of gold that she carried on her for emergencies, and they happily obliged after hearing how soon the battle would begin. They were smarter than most, but still cowards. She did not judge them for this though.

~~~~~

	The time came for the battle to begin. Serena watched the various teams make their way to the various gates that protected the city, and chose to follow the group heading for the Eastern gate as she felt the presence of a creature that was far more deadly than what any of these peasants were capable of handling even on a good day with the correct equipment and a plan. It had taken several minutes to convince those farmers to return to their homes, and by that time the crowd had scattered and gone to the gates. She rushed as fast as she could to the East Gate, hoping that not too much damage had been done and that the villagers had at least some of their wits about them, but her hope was soon to be crushed.

	On the other side of the gate, dozens of the lightly armed villagers ran screaming as a Basilisk tore through the crowd, crushing all in its wake. Several other villagers were being lit on fire by the Lava Demons and the stench and cries of pain that emanated from them lit an anger in Serena's soul at the nobles who sent these villagers to die like dogs. She watched the Beast Whisperer Jere bravely try to save a villager from being trampled, and then noticed the elegant Archer Veltis set up his greatbow to lay siege to the Basilisk. In utter amazement, she saw him loose arrow after arrow into the demon's many eyes, and it finally collapsed to the ground. She stood there stupefied by the sheer skill of the man, but the cries of the maimed and dying villagers brought her back to her senses. She needed to help in whatever way she could. 

	She ran to Veltis who was now on his knees from the exhaustion of firing that greatbow so many times and helped him to his feet. She then hastily introduced herself so she would not seem rude. 

	[color=ed1c24]"Hello good Sir, I am Serena Nuias. I would like to further introduce myself, but I feel that now is not a good time. Excellent work with the Basilisk,"[/color] She smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "That is quite a feat you just pulled off." She then gripped his shoulder tightly and muttered unintelligible words in another language under her breath. A white glow came off of her hand and spread to the tuckered out archer. [color=ed1c24]"That spell should revitalize you just enough so that we may deal with these Lava demons together. The villagers need our help." [/color]

	With that, she drew her sword from its sheath on her waist and mounted her shield and ran forward towards Jere and his Wolf.